CNS Newsletter 2011

College of Natural Science

CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

FALL 2011

Evolution Provides a Roadmap

T

he College of Natural Science this fall welcomed our largest class of students in our 50 year history – more than 4,900 undergraduates and nearly 1,000 graduate students. As our faculty continues to lead MSU in research productivity, we remain focused on providing an outstanding education in the context of a great research university.

Michigan State and the college have weathered the budget reductions of the past years well, but we continue to change and adapt to the new state, national and international realities.

The college is a complex organization with many responsibilities, and a good metaphor for how it needs to function is the research published this year by Hannah Distinguished Professor Richard Lenski involving his long-term experiment in evolution with more than 50,000 generations of the bacterium, E. coli.

In this experiment, Lenski and his collaborators found that by 500 generations one strain was winning, but that by 883 generations, the supposedly winning strain had disappeared. It turns out that the eventual winners are not just fit, but are more evolvable. The eventual losers grew faster at the start, but the eventual winners were the ones who were better able to take advantage of the changes to their genes through mutation, and in the end beat out their competition.

The lesson is that it is not just survival of the fittest, but survival of the most adaptable that is important. Higher education is no different than other endeavors; adaptability is necessary for survival. We continue to change and to make sure we are able to undertake the strongest research and best prepare our students for the demands of tomorrow’s science.

This is visible in the advances in next generation sequencing technologies.

Capabilities have grown at an extraordinary pace, giving our researchers new opportunities. MSU’s core biotechnology facilities (see page 8) have ushered in a The new Plant Science Expansion hosts research labs on three of the four floors and new era of discovery will open in Spring 2012. The building is on the Southwest corner of Wilson and Bogue. for our researchers, and alongside them We will soon be opening the new plant our students are science expansion to provide state-of-thedeveloping their scientific skills at the art research space and serve as a physical highest level. connection for the outstanding plant science community on campus. Yet it is the Technology has opened the door for human connections taking place within the unprecedented advances in scientific walls that will have the greatest impact. research. What is unique for MSU is how The new facility changes the way the labs we involve our students at all stages of work so that shared research areas focus research. On pages 6 and 7, we highlight on broad problems such as plant stress, some of the research done this year, and genomics and metabolism. though we mention the main researcher, every project involved students, postdoctoral researchers and other faculty.

These partnerships are a key to success.

The demand for graduates with strong analytical and mathematical skills continues to grow, and we continue to advance this important element of education. This year marked the beginning of an advanced math curriculum as well as a new major in actuarial science. We also established the Institute for Research in Mathematics and Science to study the best ways to teach science and mathematics to students from kindergarten through university. Similarly, a new Program in Mathematics Education is directing our graduate studies in mathematics education.

ns.msu.edu

I sincerely hope you enjoy our annual alumni newsletter highlighting some of the key items within the college as we continue to adapt and evolve. On behalf of our faculty and students, I extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Spartan alumni who contribute their time, energy and resources to ensuring our success in teaching and research.

R. James Kirkpatrick is Dean of the College of Natural Science.

He joined MSU in 2007 and has served in college administration for more than 20 years. He has a Ph.D. in geology and is author of more than 200 research publications.

Plant Biochemists Last and Kramer Named to Endowed Faculty Positions

He Named HHMI Investigator Sheng Yang He, professor of plant biology, has been named a HHMI-GBMF Investigator, an honor that includes him among the nation’s most-innovative plant scientists as part of a $75 million plant science initiative from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

An investiture ceremony in April officially recognized two new endowed faculty in the areas of biochemistry and plant biology. David M. Kramer was named the Hannah Professor of Photosynthesis and Bioenergetics and Robert L. Last was named the Barnett Rosenberg Chair of Biochemistry. Pictured during the ceremony at the MSU Union are (left-right): CNS Dean R. James Kirkpatrick, Rosenberg Chair Rob Last, Hannah Professor Dave Kramer, Biochemistry Chair Tom Sharkey and Provost Kim Wilcox.

Kramer works with both plants and algae to understand how improving the efficiency of photosynthesis could be applied to bioenergy, and his work includes energy processes at the molecular and the physiological levels of plants.

Last studies functional genomics and plant metabolism, and is focused on determining the specific genes that control chemical evolution.

CNS Welcomes A Record Number of Science Majors to Campus

CNS Dean James Kirkpatrick led several standing-room-only Freshmen Welcome seminars in August as a record 1,422 new CNS undergraduate majors arrived on campus.

There were a total of 4,908 undergraduate students majoring in at least one of the 33 CNS majors during the fall semester. CNS advanced degree programs had 945 graduate students enrolled during fall semester.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 2

He is a member of the MSU/DOE Plant Research Lab and his research examines why plants are susceptible to disease.

Much of his research has focused on the Type III secretion system, a formidable bacterial weapon. Plant scientists have known for years that bacteria secrete disease-promoting proteins, but conventional wisdom held that those proteins affected host cells from the outside. He discovered that some of these proteins act inside plant cells.

Next Generation Sequencing Workshop Gets NIH Support Titus Brown, assistant professor of microbiology and computer science, and Ian Dworkin, assistant professor of zoology, received an NIH grant to support their annual next-generation sequence analysis workshop. They began the workshop in 2009 to train biologists in bioinformatics and managing the massive data sets now being generated with genomics technology. The 2-week summer workshop has attracted more than 150 applications from scientists around the world as it provides intensive training on large-scale data analysis as well as mapping, assembly, and analysis.

Connections is published annually for alumni and friends by the College of Natural Science Advancement Office. Copyright 2011 Michigan State University. MSU is an affirmativeaction, equal-opportunity employer. Send correspondence to: MSU College of Natural Science Advancement Office 5 Natural Science Building East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 432-4561 | natsci4u@msu.edu Contributing writers: Suzette Hittner, R. James Kirkpatrick, Michael Steger. Photography: MSU Archives, Kaz Fujita, Brian Hampton, Michael Steger, and University Relations.

Alumni Association Presents Buell with Meritorious Faculty Award

2011 CNS Outstanding Alumni Award

E

ric Ayers (Microbiology ‘85) is a recognized leader in adolescent health and recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award from the CNS Alumni Association.

Ayers, an assistant professor in the departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Wayne State University, is the program director of the Combined Internal MedicinePediatrics residency program, and the Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Section Chief of the Division of General Medicine.

Ayers’ professional life demonstrates his commitment to take his knowledge of medicine beyond the borders of the clinical and educational setting into the Eric Ayers was presented with the 2011 CNS Outstanding community to serve those in Alumni Award from Dean R. James Kirkpatrick during the need. He has worked with public annual alumni awards banquet in April. schools to provide free physicals and helped establish a clinic in a Detroit elementary school to promote well-being among an under-served group of youth. His work on behalf of youth health research, care and advocacy has earned him distinctions, including the Detroit City Council’s “Spirit of Detroit” Award.

Since 2006, he has served as an alumni advisor for the Charles Drew Science Scholars Program in the College of Natural Science. He continues to mentor to elementary, high school and college students in their pursuit of success.

Robin Buell received the annual Meritorious Faculty Award presented by the CNS Alumni Association. A leader in plant genomics, Buell is an associate professor in the Robin Buell Department of Plant Biology and her research focuses on functional genomics, comparative genomics, and bioinformatics of plants and plant pathogens.

Her work on plant pathogens has resulted in the Comprehensive Phytopathogen Genome Resource. She annotated the rice genome and was part of the group sequencing the potato genome (see page 6). Since 1999, she has been an author on more than 90 publications and is currently the Principal Investigator or Project Director on six grants. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — CLASSES WITHOUT QUIZZES Send Us Your Nominations The CNS Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2012 alumni awards to recognize alumni and faculty for their accomplishments and excellence.

Nominations are due January 31, 2012 for: CNS Outstanding Alumni Award, CNS Recent Alumni Award, and CNS Meritoriouss Fa Facu Faculty. acu ty.

In 1896, Professor Kedzie lectured on gasoline to a chemistry class...

...Today, MSU faculty and students are involved in research on complex materials and alternative fuels (and the seats in the lecture halls are much more comfortable).

orrm m and details are Nomination forms at ns.msu.edu/alumni. du u/ / Anyone nyo can nominate exemplary xe em faculty or alumni.

Join CNS alumni for Science University April 13-14, 2012 — ns.msu.edu/scienceu MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 3

Students ID Remote Sites for Earth Imaging

C

riss-crossing Michigan and traveling remote backroads is how two MSU graduate students spent their summer as they helped in the establishment of a massive imaging array to better predict natural disasters.

Benjamin Johnson and Jamie Ryan identified locations across the lower peninsula that will host 25 seismic stations as part of EarthScope (www.earthscope. org) - a National Science Foundation program deploying thousands of seismic, GPS, and other geophysical instruments to study the structure and evolution of the North American continent and the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

“The seismometers will produce highresolution images of the Earth’s interior and allow us to better understand origins and characteristics of earthquakes, both local and distant,” says Kaz Fujita, professor of geological science and leader of the Michigan siting portion of the program.

Installations of the seismometers is moving across the country, and Michigan is among several Midwestern states in the midst of the multi-year installation project.

For Johnson and Ryan, their part of the research project involved using geographic data to identify ideal locations, and then visiting the sites to verify that the location is appropriate and to speak with landowners.

“There are many environmental sources like wind, rivers, and road traffic that can reduce the quality of the data recorded by the seismometer. Farm fields are a favored location,” said Johnson, a masters student in geological sciences.

The researchers identified the 25 locations in the lower peninsula and installation of the equipment will occur in 2012.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 4

At each location, a seismometer is buried in a vault below the surface and solar panels provide power. Data are recorded continuously and relayed to the operations center.

The array will provide a map of the structure of the Earth, including fault lines, by detecting and recording the tremors moving through the ground. The instruments will provide 3-D images of the Earth from 2,000 locations.

“Energy from earthquakes all over the world will be detected by seismometers here,” says Ryan, a student in teacher education. “The data collected will not only help us better understand and prepare for natural disasters in our communities, but it will be used as teaching tools in classrooms.

We will be able to take a national experiment and localize it into classrooms across Michigan.”

The data collected from the EarthScope project is available free to scientists, educators and the public through the USArray website (www.usarray.org).

Benjamin Johnson, Kaz Fujita and Jamie Ryan check the conditions for a monitoring site near Milan, Michigan.

Ryan plans to someday teach an earth science course and use this data as a teaching resource. She recently received her bachelor’s degree and began student teaching this fall at Ferndale High School.

Director Named for Institute on Mathematics and Science Education Joseph Krajcik was recently named director of MSU’s Institute for Research on Mathematics and Science Education. The institute, formed in 2010 by CNS and the College of Education, examines issues from kindergarten through the first years of college, with an initial focus on teaching algebra, biology and physics.

As director, Krajcik is coordinating research projects in science and mathematics education, and helping to share the findings with educational leaders and policymakers. Krajcik joined MSU this summer from the University of Michigan. He is a key contributor in the national movement to create new K-12 science standards. A former high school chemistry teacher, his own research has focused on helping students develop deeper understandings about key science concepts.

Faculty Assist Japanese Plant Scientists During Recovery

D

isruptions in the power grid following the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused routine power outages and made scientific research difficult for scientists who rely upon uninterrupted refrigeration, growth incubators, sequencers and other complex equipment.

broken water pipes delayed restarting the electricity,” Nakata said. “Research samples stored in freezers and refrigerators spoiled and researchers lost the effort and time that had gone into those experiments.”

The community of plant scientists at MSU engaged their network of collaborators in Japan and extended an offer to host scientists who needed to continue their research and advance their education.

This summer, power was still being conserved. Nakata’s lab had to greatly reduce energy usage thereby limiting the ability to grow plants necessary for the research.

Masaru Nakata, a post-doctoral researcher who had his research halted because of the disaster, accepted the invitation. Nakata and two other Japanese plant scientists arrived in East Lansing during the summer.

Nakata is from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan.

His research involves the plant hormone jasmonate and how plants responded to stress and insect predation. Nakata spent two months in the lab of Gregg Howe, a professor of biochemistry.

Gregg Howe (left) provided lab space and resources for Masaru Nakata after his plant science research was halted following the March earthquake. Nakata was one of three Japanese plant scientists hosted by MSU this summer.

“The research Nakata is working on matches up well with our work,” Howe said. “He immediately fit into the group and within a week was conducting a seminar for our graduate students and researchers.”

Following the disaster, Nakata says it took three months to return their research labs at AIST to their former state. “After the disaster, electricity was unavailable and

New Programs in the College of Natural Science Advanced Mathematics — A Bachelor of Science degree is now offered to prepare students for additional studies in top graduate schools, careers in the mathematical sciences and related fields. In addition to special advanced sections of classes, students in this program can take graduate-level mathematics courses as juniors and seniors.

Actuarial Science — A Bachelor of Science degree is now offered to prepare students for careers at insurance companies, banks, investment firms, government agencies, hospitals, and business firms with a need to weigh the financial consequences of risk. The program provides the academic background for completion of five of the examinations of the Society of Actuaries, including completion of the Validation by Educational Experience course work in applied statistics, corporate finance, and economics.

Mathematics Education — The newly formed Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) is administering the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics Education at MSU. The degree program is a collaboration between CNS and the College of Education and is designed for researchers and leaders in state, national, and international mathematics education communities as it develops analytical perspectives for research, engages in reflective teaching, and strengthens mathematical knowledge.

The principal investigator on his project at AIST, Dr. Ohme-Takagi, had been a post-doctoral researcher at the MSU/DOE Plant Research Laboratory two decades earlier. When the invitation from MSU arrived, Ohme-Takagi recommended Nakata consider the opportunity.

“Professor Howe is one of the world’s top plant scientists in jasmonate,” said Nakata.

“To work with him and to discuss research with members of his laboratory was very precious for me.” Nakata and Howe plan to publish a joint paper on the research.

“Making space for Nakata in the lab meant we all had to move in a little tighter,” said Howe. “Being a bit cramped for a few months is a minor inconvenience compared to what we all gain from this experience.”

In addition to Nakata, graduate students from the University of Tokyo and University of Tsukuba were hosted by biochemistry professors Rob Last and Hideki Takahashi.

“Being a global leader in research affords us the ability to help these scientists from Japan as they advance their education and careers,” says Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of International Studies and Programs at MSU. “Our strong cadre of plant scientists allows us to easily fit these researchers into our labs where their research goals are aligned.”

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 5

Research Samples Mapping the Genome of the Potato

Adaptability Beats Short-Term Fitness in Evolution

Robin Buell, professor of plant biology, and Dean Della Penna, professor of biochemistry, were part of an international research team which mapped the genome of the potato and published the complete sequence this summer. The potato is the third most important crop ch in the world and this research nd identified the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of how they grow and reproduce as well as the possible mechanisms by which inbreeding depression occurs. “This is the first plant with a tuber to be sequenced,” Buell said.

“It will still take researchers awhile to use the genome information to improve its agronomic traits, such as improved quality, yield, drought tolerance and disease resistance. But our recent research will accelerate efforts on improving potato varieties and help close the gap in bringing a better potato to the farmer.”

Richard Lenski, Hannah Professor of Evolutionary Biology, and colleagues published research in Science showing that more adaptable bacteria oriented toward long-term improvement prevailed over competitors that held a short-term advantage. Their findings garnered media attention around the world as they could explain a number of important imp patterns in nature. Using data from his 23-year experiment with more than 53,000 generations of E. coli, scientists replayed evolution with clones and fou found that the eventual winners prevailed because they had greater potential for ffurther adaptation. “In essence, the eventual loser lineage seems to have made a m mutational move that gave it a short-term fitness advantage but closed off certain r routes for later improvement,” Lenski said. “And the dead-end strategy allowed th eventual winners to catch up and eventually surpass the eventual losers.” the

Research Shows Evolution Keeps Sex Determination Flexible There are many old wives’ tales about what determines an organism’s sex, yet it is the tight controls at the gene level which determine this in most species. Ian Dworkin, assistant professor of zoology, and Chris Chandler, post-doctoral researcher, published findings in Evolution showing that when genetic and genomic mechanisms for sex determination in nematodes were disrupted, the worms bypassed the problem rather than fixing it directly. “There was little or no change in the genes involved, and instead they made the changes elsewhere,” said Dworkin. “As they evolved, they swiftly compensated to create a balance with respect to their sex.”

Boosting Plant Immune Systems Bacterial Nanowires Shown to Immobilize Uranium Contaminants Using a genetic approach as well as sensitive spectroscopy analysis, Gemma Reguera (right), assistant professor of microbiology, and her team of researchers identified the conductive pili as the elusive uranium reductase in Geobacter sulfurreducens. These protein nanowires are hair-like protein appendages with electrical conductivity and can, by themselves, catalyze the process of bioremediation and stop the spread of radioactive Uranium and other harmful pollutants. The findings, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show the nanowires are essentially performing nature’s version of electroplating with uranium as the Geobacter pili conduct electrons outside and away from the cell. The pili convert radioactive Uranium (VI) to Uranium (IV) which is no longer soluble and can be contained. While doing the research, Reguera has also developed a modified strain with improved pili production.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 6

Gregg Howe, professor of biochemistry, has uncovered how the plant hormone jasmonate binds two proteins together to form a receptor – an emerging new concept in hormone biology and protein chemistry. The discovery of the hormone acting like molecular glue could hold a key to bolstering plant immune systems and understanding how plants cope with environmental stress. Howe and his collaborators published their findings in Nature, and explained how a highly dynamic form of plant immunity is triggered and identified the receptor’s crystal structure to provide the first molecular view of how the hormone and proteins fit together. They can now design new hormone derivatives or other small molecules that can trigger a desired response.

Research Samples Building a Better Oxygen Sensor Constantly monitoring oxygen levels in water has applications in industries ranging from beverage manufacturing and biomedical research to aquaculture and petroleum industries.

Ruby Ghosh, associate professor of physics, and her students designed and built prototypes of a new sensor and worked with Michigan’s fish farmers to see how the sensor would function in a year-round, outdoor environment. Designed to withstand fluctuations in temperature, salinity, carbon dioxide, phosphates and biological wastes, the sensor was built to provide real-time data and be relatively inexpensive as it takes advantage of reduced costs of components used for telecommunications and medical imaging. Ghosh presented her research at the Bio-Optics: Design and Application conference in April.

Understanding How Plants Adapt to Cold Environments Michael Thomashow, University Distinguished Professor of Molecular Genetics, has shown that circadian rhythms spark plants’ ability to fend off cold weather. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows how plants depend on circadian cues to provide the input required for plants to attain maximum freezing tolerance. His research led to the identification of the cold-signaling pathways that can be found in many different plants and play a major role in freezing and drought tolerance.

Reducing abiotic stresses can help expand where crops can be grown and increase yields.

Advances in Laser Technology For Security and Health

Examining the Genetic Pathways Involved in Breast Cancer

Marcus Dantus, professor of chemistry, published two key findings this year as he advances femotosecond laser technology. In research published in Applied Physics Letters, Dantus and his collaborators show how the laser pulses can distinguish the molecular structure of materials for quantities as small as a fraction of a billionth of a gram, potentially providing the sensitivity to identify traces of hazardous substances from a distance. In research published in Nature Photonics, Dantus shows how the pulses can selectively identify molecules through stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, thereby making fluorescent markers unnecessary and introducing a method to make biopsies noninvasive.

Eran Andrechek, assistant professor of physiology, uncovered a genetic pathway that affects the development of breast cancer. By studying the gene expression of breast cancer cells, Andrechek and his collaborators found the activation of the specific gene E2F2 was associated with a higher probability of breast cancer relapse in humans. They used rodent models to learn that removing the E2F2 gene significantly decreased the likelihood of a tumor. The findings were published in Cancer Research. Recently, Andrechek received a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation to further understand the genetic differences between the animal and human cases so as to improve therapy and treatment.

Online Global Database of Bird Sounds Aids Conservation and Education The Avian Vocalizations Center (AVoCet) was recently launched by Pamela Rasmussen, assistant professor of zoology.

It is an online library of bird sounds, photos and other information, including sonograms that visually chart the sounds, photos of birds recorded, and maps of recording locations. Currently the database includes more than 11,600 recordings from over 3,650 species in 58 countries.

The ability to identify birds vocally is crucial for monitoring bird movements and populations. Oriented to the scientific community, AVoCet maintains rigorous scholarly standards. The comprehensive collection of bird sounds can yield better understanding of habitats, ranges and habits, while allowing more efficient and thorough biodiversity studies.

Teaching Workshops Fail to Spur Learner-centered Teaching Diane Ebert-May, professor of plant biology, and her colleagues examined how faculty implement what they were taught in workshops designed to help create and implement inquiry-based, learner-centered instruction. Their findings, published in BioScience, found that while most professors did learn from the workshops and selfreported that they were using studentcentred methods, video analysis of the teachers after the workshops found that 75% were still using the lecture-based methods for up to two years after the workshop. The research calls into doubt the value of the self-reported data as the sole source of project evaluation. It also suggests professional development could be more effective if it provides direct practice by the participants along with observation and feedback by experts.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 7

Next Generation Research Provides Clues in Gene Mysteries While Changing The Way MSU Teaches and Conducts Research

B

ig science has always required big tools - from super colliders that reveal the forces binding atomic nuclei to super sequencers that reveal the genes in a cell’s nucleus. Along with swift advances in technology, scientists today have access to powerful tools that open new paths of research and accelerate the speed at which the research is conducted.

These tools are changing the way MSU teaches and conducts research.

Leading much of this at MSU is Dave DeWitt, associate dean for research in the College of Natural Science. DeWitt also serves as director of MSU’s Research Technology Support Facility (RTSF) – a collection of five analytical facilities which provide the fundamental tools for modern life science research at MSU. Together, these two jobs often interconnect as CNS faculty are among the primary users of the RTSF equipment.

“The technology has become more sophisticated and complex, so it is more practical to have a central facility where we have the experts and protocols necessary to run and maintain the instruments,” said DeWitt.

In years past, many MSU faculty would have all their major research equipment in their lab. The complexity of the analytical techniques is such that no single researcher can effectively master all the needed technologies, added DeWitt.

Next-generation sequencers, mass spectrometers, and software designed specifically to identify and quantitate proteins are just some of the tools changing education in the classroom and research in the lab.

The next generation sequencers are the most in-demand. Over the past five years, increased capacity to sequence DNA has changed the way genetic research is conducted. The MSU sequencers produce nearly 50 GB of data each day – more than 15 times the data in a single human genome.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 8

Shari Tjugum-Holland, director of DNA sequencing, prepares a slide for use in the Illlumina GAII DNA sequencer. Advances in the sequencing technology allow researchers to run an increasingly greater number of samples less expensively and in a shorter amount of time thereby increasing research productivity.

“What used to take months or years in a lab can now be done in a few days. This creates a research environment where faculty and their students can do more experiments in a much shorter time,” said DeWitt. “The researchers can now focus on good preparation and analysis of data, and no longer have to be distracted by the inner-workings of the machines involved in the experiments.”

The technology has opened up a new world of research and education. More than ever before CNS faculty have more students, both graduate and undergraduate, in the labs and actively participating in the research. The hands-on learning allows students to apply their skills on some of the most-challenging problems.

For researchers like Rich Lenski, Hannah Professor of Evolutionary Biology, the facility is providing answers to his 23-year evolution experiment. A single run can completely sequence 7-14 E. coli isolates which allows Lenski to watch evolution occur at the molecular level. When he began the experiment, no one imagined such analyses would be possible. Yet he froze samples at various steps in the experiment, and researchers in his lab are

now able to analyze these samples which provide a historical DNA timeline of evolution.

Identifying specific genes and their roles is a common task for research using the next-generation sequencing. Faculty across departments, including microbiology, plant biology, physiology and biochemistry, use the facility as a main part of their research.

The RTSF is in use every hour of every day, and continues to grow as hundreds of research labs across campus increase their research.

The facility has evolved significantly since it began as the mass spectrometry facility by professors Charles Sweeley and Jack Preiss in 1968. With support from the Michigan Life Science Corridor, the facilities have developed into one of MSU’s most powerful research assets.

“We have developed an efficient facility which allows us to conduct experiments that before were unimaginable,” says DeWitt. “The faculty are utilizing these resources as they involve their students in tackling complex problems in biofuels, health, energy and other important areas.”

FACULTY HONORS

Ebert-May Among Professors of the Year

The American Association for the Advancement of Science named four CNS faculty members AAAS Fellows: William Hartmann, professor of physics, Katherine Osteryoung, professor of plant biology, Bradley Sherrill, University Distinguished Professor of physics, Michael Thomashow, University Distinguished Professor of molecular genetics.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation recognized mathematics assistant professors Matt Hedden, Ignacio Uriarte-Tuero, and Dapeng Zhan as recipients of the prestigious 2011 Sloan Research Fellowships.

Yimin Xiao, professor of statistics, has been named a fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics in recognition of demonstrated distinction in research in the field of statistics and probability.

Xuefei Huang, associate professor of chemistry, has been awarded the 2011 Horace S. Isbell Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Carbohydrate Chemistry. Huang’s research has significant implications for medicine as the complex molecules can be used to develop anti-cancer vaccines, anti-coagulants as well as to better deliver medicine and to identify diseased cells.

Paul Mantica, University Distinguished Professor of chemistry, has been named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society.

Mantica is associate director for operations at the NSCL and also the National Director of the Department of Energy’s Nuclear and Radiochemistry Summer School program. He teaches classes ranging from introductory chemistry to computational nuclear chemistry for graduate students, and his research focuses on using betaassisted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to deduce ground state moments to track such changes in shortlived, radioactive nuclei.

Diane Ebert-May, professor of plant biology, was the Michigan winner in the 2011 U.S. Professors of the Year award program. The annual award program is the only national initiative that focuses solely on excellent undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Ebert-May, the Michigan winner of the national award, implements scientific teaching in her classroom, that is, teaching that is driven by her research on how students learn biology and develop high-level cognitive skills in learner-centered courses.

Presidential Honors for Career Award Researcher Elena Litchman, associate professor of zoology, was honored

by President Obama as a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their careers. Litchman has an NSF grant studying how global environmental change is altering communities of phytoplankton in lakes. Her research has implications for water quality as well as the understanding of responses of aquatic ecosystems to global change.

2011 Career Awards for CNS Faculty

Elena Litchman

The Department of Energy awarded Early Career Research Awards to Thomas Hamann, assistant professor of chemistry, and Pengpeng Zhang, assistant professor of physics. Hamann received the award for research on molecular and material approaches to overcome kinetic and energetic constraints in dye-sensitized solar cells. Zhang’s award is for research into molecular self-assembly to modify electrical properties of silicon nanomembranes.

The National Science Foundation awarded three Early Career Development awards to CNS faculty: Ignacio Uriarte-Tuero, assistant professor of mathematics, for studying interactions between quasiconformal mappings, geometric analysis, Fourier analysis, and geometric combinatorics; Dapeng Zhan, assistant professor of mathematics, for studying the analysis of the geometric properties of the Schramm-Loewner evolution curves to increase understanding of a number of two-dimensional Statistical Physics lattice models in different kinds of domains; and Eva Farre, assistant professor of plant biology, for determining the molecular mechanisms of the Arabidopsis circadian clock.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 9

Save the Date Science University April 13 - 14, 2012 85th Anniversary Celebration of the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program April 21, 2012 Geology Alumni Field Trip August 24-26, 2012 Professor Emeritus Bill Cambray leads a special trip for alumni to sites in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Contact Elizabeth Wheeler for details on any of these events — szufnar@msu.edu or 517-884-0290.

Show your CNS Spirit!

You can support CNS alumni activities and scholarships while proudly showing your Spartan spirit. CNS polos, sweatshirts, caps and other items are available at the CNS store — shop.msu.edu.

Recent Alumni Events Speed Reading the Book of Life Dozens of Spartans in the San Francisco Bay area attended an MSU alumni event on November 6 in Palo Alto to learn about genomics and DNA sequencing, including the facts and myths as seen in films such as Contagion and Jurassic Park. Associate Dean David DeWitt captivated the audience with a primer on genomics research and provided examples from MSU, including how MSU scientists are using the latest methods to increase crop productivity and disease resistance, observe evolution in action, map infectious microbial outbreaks, and design new biofuels.

Symposium Honors Jim Tiedje Alumni, former post-docs, faculty and collaborators participated in the Tiedje Symposium on Microbial Genomics and Ecology in recognition of the 70th birthday of Jim Tiedje, University

Distinguished Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. The October 29, 2011, symposium featured a dozen scientific presentations and poster sessions, and reunited nearly 200 microbial ecologists whose careers were influenced

by Tiedje and MSU’s Center for Microbial Ecology. More information can be found at tiedjesymposium.mmg.msu.edu.

BLD Celebrates 85 Years with Tailgate for Alumni Alumni from the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program (formerly known as Medical Technology) participated in a football tailgate party prior to the September 10, 2011, game between MSU and Florida Atlantic. More than one hundred alumni gathered to celebrate in the tent outside North Kedzie Hall.

Meet the CNS Alumni Association Board of Directors Ed Bailey (Mathematics ‘01) San Francisco, CA Manager of Talent and Outreach Programs Google, Inc. edbailey3@gmail.com Houston Brown (Ph.D. Chemistry ‘79) Houston, TX Adjunct Professor, Lone Star College Retired from Shell Oil houston@trilliumdayschool.com Anne E. Fischer (Ph.D. Chemistry ‘05) Washington, DC Staff Scientist, Strategic Analysis, Inc. fischer.ae@gmail.com Jamey L. Hardesty (Human Bio & Microbiology ‘07) Albany, NY Student in the Executive MBA Program in Health Care Business Administration jamey.hardesty@gmail.com Daniel Kemp (Biochemistry ‘99) Raleigh, NC Toxicology External Study Manager GlaxoSmithKline spartan1999@gmail.com Mary Manner (Zoology ’78, M.S. ‘87) Traverse City, MI Coordinator Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative mumanner@gmail.com

Rita D. McCaskill (Mathematics ‘89) Detroit, MI Senior Consultant, Towers Watson rita.mccaskill@towerswatson.com

Douglas Siegel (M.S. Cell & Molecular Bio ‘05) Kalamazoo, MI Partner, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP dsiegel@honigman.com

Alan Pfau (Zoology ‘80) Lansing, MI Research Scientist, Chem-Trend, Inc. apfau@chemtrend.com

Jeremy Spinney (Medical Technology ‘07) Battle Creek, MI Chemistry/Immunoassay Sales Specialist, Siemens Healthcare jeremy.spinney@siemens.com

Katherine Ruby (Biochemistry ‘05) San Diego, CA Field Application Scientist, Millipore katherineruby@gmail.com

Steve Wagner (Mathematics ‘73) Chicago, IL Data Modeling Director, CNA Insurance steven.wagner@cna.com

Need a CNS speaker for a club event?

Want to connect with other CNS alumni?

Contact a CNSAA board member in your region.

Questions?

Contact CNS Alumni Relations Elizabeth Wheeler szufnar@msu.edu (517) 884-0290 Connect with us on the CNS LinkedIn Group

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 10

$7 Million Gift Advances Geological Sciences

ALUMNI PROFILE

Anne Fischer — Ph.D. Chemistry ‘05 A $7 million gift will help expand the Department of Geological Sciences, fostering better understanding of Earth’s systems and resources. The gift, from an MSU graduate who wishes to remain anonymous, will help build a program focused on excellence and leadership in Earth science and will mainly go toward new professorships and graduate research fellowships.

G

rowing up in West Virginia, Anne Fischer spent countless hours sitting at her parent’s kitchen table playing with her toy chemistry set.

Today she still experiences the same joy delivered by the simple experiments and reactions, except she is now at the other end of science involved with emerging technology and advanced science research.

Fischer is an advisory scientist at Strategic Analysis – a government professional services firm. She is part of a team of physicists, engineers, biologists and other scientists who provide support to government program managers involved in science and engineering research funding and oversight. Her team works with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and focuses on materials science. The team provides oversight to make sure researchers are meeting their deadlines. They also chart new research investments.

Fisher, an electrochemist, received her doctoral degree in chemistry from MSU in 2005. Her focus at MSU was on analytical electrochemistry. She studied under Professor Greg Swain where she worked on developing and characterizing high surface area diamond electrodes for applications such as fuel cells.

After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Naval Research Laboratory, she became involved in program development and policy as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation.

“When I became involved in science policy, it combined my love of chemistry with the thrill of being involved in the emerging areas of science and technology across many disciplines,” said Fischer. “Having a 30,000-foot view of the forefront of science is exciting.”

Fisher says she enjoys the fast pace as it leads to her learning something new each

Anne Fischer is an advisory scientist who works with agencies involved with materials science research. day. “Identifying emerging areas and trends adds to the excitement as we are able to be a part of guiding where science and technology research investments are heading.”

The materials science programs Fischer is involved with are at least a decade away from everyday consumer application.

A typical day in the office has her involved in many projects ranging from development of advanced structural fiber to microbatteries.

Fischer currently lives just outside of Washington, D.C., and spends lots of time in the city enjoying the culture and cuisine. She remains connected to MSU and currently serves as president of the CNSAA Board of Directors.

“Endowed chairs and endowed graduate fellowships are critical building blocks for excellence in every academic area,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said.

“Comprehending the forces that shape our world, specifically water and energy resources, requires research leaders who also can carry that knowledge into the classroom. This gift enables us to attract rising stars in geological sciences who can make an immediate impact on our research and education.”

The search for three early career faculty members for the new endowed professorships will likely begin in 2012. A portion of the gift leverages a scholarship matching fund provided by a previous anonymous donor to MSU and will endow graduate fellowship support for attracting the best and brightest graduate students.

“Graduate fellowships are a cornerstone of strong research programs and this funding allows us to recruit the most capable,” said R. James Kirkpatrick, dean of the College of Natural Science. “The fellowships will provide funding for students to earn their degree while undertaking advanced research alongside leading faculty. Together, these professorships and fellows will significantly enhance MSU’s Department of Geological Sciences.”

Ways You Can Stay Connected Join the CNS Alumni Association.

Follow @MSU_NatSci on Twitter.

Like MSUCNS on Facebook.

Join the our LinkedIn group.

Go to ns.msu.edu for links and more alumni information.

Another portion of the gift completes funding for the Thomas Vogel Endowed Chair in Solid Earth. The chair was established in 2006 in honor of the retirement of longtime geology professor Thomas Vogel. Endowed chairs are the highest honor awarded to faculty.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011

11

Let us share your accomplishments with fellow Spartans.

Send your news to NatSci4u@msu.edu

1960’s David Moehring, Zoology ’60, is retired yet working as a volunteer clinical faculty member at U.C. Davis Medical Center.

David Snediker, Chemistry ’60, retired and began managing a legal operation dealing with conflict of interest in R&D. Larry Quinn, Ph.D. Chemistry ’61, is retired from the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and Aerojet.

James Trosko, M.S. Zoology ’62, Ph.D. ’63, received a Seoul National University “World Class University Invited Professorship” for the second year.

Doug Stowell, Math ’64, has launched “Oh What a Year!” recalling the images and ideas of the 50th and 25th alumni reunion years.

Pamela (Walsworth) McAllister, Bio. Sci. ’67, M.A.T. Zoology ’70, Ph.D. ’73, received the 2011 Andrew Giusti Memorial Award for activism on behalf of colorectal cancer patients.

Richard Hill, Physics ’68, closed his consulting business to focus on helping adoptees find birth families through DNA testing. His success story was covered in the Wall Street Journal.

Richard Perry, Math ’68, is the CEO of Whooz Near Corp with an iPhone app WhooznearU.

1970’s William Falk, Math ’70, was recently

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 12

elected as a Trustee of the Board of Pensions for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Nancy Hepworth, Geology ’77, was appointed the Child Safety Officer for ABWE in Harrisburg, Penn.

Paul Labine, Ph.D. Chemistry ’71, is teaching chemistry at Palm Beach State College and Broward College.

Karen Bratus, Microbiology ’79, was appointed chief academic officer for Baker College of Allen Park.

Paul Hamel, Zoology ’72, M.A.T. ’72, has been elected a Fellow of the American Ornithologists Union and is a research wildlife biologist at the SRS Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research.

1980’s

Antonio Quitoriano, M.A. Gen. Sci. ’72, is a management consultant focused on international development projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and USAID. Robert Enderle, Zoology ’72, released his latest novel, Antwerp.

David Lohse, Physics ’74, retired as a distinguished research associate from the Corporate Strategic Research Labs of ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, and he was recently elected a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

Dan Inman, M.A.T. Physics ’75, has been appointed the Kelly Johnson Collegiate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Christopher Harner, Zoology ’76, was recently appointed to the presidential line of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is team physician at Duquesne University and team physician for women’s basketball at the University of Pittsburgh.

Rob Bencher, Chemistry ’83, was involved with the commercialization of the bDNA gene expression platform and a flow-thru chip technology developed at the Oakridge National Laboratories.

David Odelson, Ph.D. Microbiology ’84, is the Director of R&D at Life Technologies, Inc. Joseph Allen, Geology ’88, is chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences at Concord University in West Virginia.

Sanjay Murthy, Physiology ’88, started Wellhealth Medical Associates and has partnered to purchased an urgent care clinic in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

1990’s Harry Brumer, Biochemistry ’93, is beginning a professorship at the University of British Columbia.

Dayna (Duncan) Britton, Bio. Sci. ’95, was awarded the Miller-Levine Tropical Biology Scholarship to attend a two week graduate class in Costa Rica.

Phil Zecher, Ph.D. Physics ‘96, received a 2011 Wolfram Innovator Award honoring his contributions through the innovative use of Wolfram technologies.

Peter Grivins, Med. Tech. ’97, is the environmental safety & health manager for MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

Astrid Makowitz, Geology ’97, M.S. ’99, is a project geologist at Tracker Resource Development.

Maria Alejandra Sorto, M.S. Math ’97, Ph.D. ’04, was promoted to associate professor at Texas State University – San Marcos and also received an NSF CAREER award.

Nathanael Brady, Physiology ’01, is a partner at Pike’s Peak Allergy and Asthma.

Andrew Zimolzak, Biochemistry ’02, is doing a postdoctoral research fellowship in biomedical informatics in Boston.

Shannon Soltysiak, Zoology ’02, is a criminalist in the Department of Forensic Biology at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Anne Utech, Dietetics ’02, was promoted to health promotion and disease prevention program manager at the Rebecca Pratt, Zoology ’97, is an associate Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical professor in anatomy at MSU and Center. manager of the gross anatomy Help laboratories for all 4 MSU us share your Timothy Bodnar, Human satellite campuses.

Spartan success stories Bio. ’04, is a Chief with students & alumni Medical Resident at the Melanie Walker University of Michigan Hardy, Bio. Sci. Stay connected Medical School. ’98, is a perinatal Send us your career news genetic counselor in Stephanie Lawrason, Richmond, Virginia. and updates at Microbiology ’05, is a ns.msu.edu/alumni microbiologist at Sunrise 2000’s Hospital.

Stephen Kaczmarek, Geology ’00, Ph.D. ’05, is an assistant professor at Bridgewater State University.

Michael Rutter, M.S. Statistics ’00, was promoted to assistant professor of statistics at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Dan Magestro, Ph.D. Physics ’00, is a bond trader and research analyst of mortgage-backed securities at Nationwide Insurance.

Sasha Wang, M.S. Math ’07, is an assistant professor of math education at Boise State University.

Kyle Walsh, Human Bio. ’07, is in residency training in emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati.

Stacy Loree, Human Bio. ’07, has started her residency in internal medicine at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.

Yi Peng, Ph.D. Chemistry ’08, set up and manages an analytical lab for General Motors International Operations in Shanghai, China.

Jason Smolinski, M.S. Astrophysics ’08, Ph.D. ’11, is an assistant professor at the State University of New York College at Oneonta.

Amy Terry, Microbiology ’07, Molecular Genetics ’09, was awarded an Emerging Infectious Disease Fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control and the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

2010’s

David Dimitrie, Zoology ’05, is a herpetologist with Green Diamond Resource Company.

Faith Cooper, M.S. Applied Statistics ’10, is a software developer for Auto-Owners Insurance.

Phillip Delekta, Microbiology ’05, received a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from University of Michigan.

Cassandra Wissink, Bio. Sci. ’10, is teaching at Pansophia Academy.

Jessica (Leadford) Yanosik, Nutrition ’06, is in a residency program in Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Denver.

In Memoriam: Harley Hotchkiss Entrepreneur and philanthropist Harley Hotchkiss (B.S. Geology ‘51) died on June 22, 2011, at the age of 83. He was a prominent business and community leader in Calgary, Alberta, where his involvement will continue to have tremendous impact on the community. At MSU, Hotchkiss was a recipient of the CNS Outstanding Alumni Award and member of MSU’s Kedzie Society. He helped fund construction of the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building and supported the Department of Geological Sciences. His awards were numerous, including being named a Companion of the Order of Canada — Canada’s highest civilian honor — and the Alberta Order of Excellence for his lifetime of achievement and service. He was the former owner of the NHL’s Calgary Flames and was a 2006 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Rebecca, and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mike O’Meara, Nutrition ’10, is a weight loss counselor for Slimgenics.

Stephen Dostie, Biochemistry ’10, is a de-risking professional at the Michigan Biotechnology Institute.

Fletcher Daniels, Chemistry ’10, is the academic coaching program manager for the Charles Drew Science Scholars program at MSU. Stephanie Schmitt, Zoology ’10, is a marine mammal assistant trainer for the U.S. Navy at the Bangor Washington Base.

Thank you to everyone who submitted news. We could not include all the updates in the newsletter, however, a more comprehensive update is online at ns.msu.edu/alumni.

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011

13

Fellowships Provide a Cornerstone for Excellence

By Suzette Hittner

T

he College of Natural Science continues to be home to an increasing number of students each year as the national trend of students focusing on life and physical sciences continues. CNS had 3,486 returning undergraduate students this fall, and they were joined by 1,422 freshmen and transfer students.

Michigan State does an excellent job attracting a large and diverse pool of applications from around the world. The competition for the best and brightest students is one of the most complex issues facing many colleges and universities. In recent years, one way CNS has gained an advantage was with the creation of many endowed scholarships through the generosity of our benefactors. These scholarships are a key component in attracting students to our programs and they go a long way in assisting them.

Students shouldn’t have to begin their careers burdened by educational debt, and scholarships not only alleviate this, but allow students to immerse themselves in their education during the short time they are in East Lansing. Yet to maintain our trajectory of excellence, the number and amount of scholarships needs to keep pace with the quality of students and curricula.

In the past two years, the Spartan Scholarship Challenge helped build these scholarships. CNS alumni embraced the challenge and their philanthropic efforts will forever be felt by students. CNS alumni funded 23 scholarships through this program – more than any other college at MSU. All CNS alumni should feel proud and appreciate the generosity displayed by their classmates. Their support will have a lasting mark.

Yet the strength of our programs relies on several components. In addition to attracting the best undergraduate students, the graduate students and faculty play an equally important role.

Having high quality faculty who are MS College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 MSU 14

Suzette Hittner, senior director of advancement, leads the fundraising efforts for the College of Natural Science. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, 4,816 individuals made gifts to the college and 16 new endowments were established to support department and college programs. leaders in the classroom and the lab is a component most people understand.

However, in today’s top research labs, the sometimes overlooked component is that of the increasing importance of graduate students. These students work in tandem with the faculty by providing the flexibility faculty need to multi-task between worldclass research, classroom teaching and mentoring tomorrow’s science leaders.

The symbiotic relationship between faculty and graduate students is something that doesn’t happen overnight. Faculty need the best graduate students. Graduate students are drawn to programs with the best faculty. Added to this are the increased demands on faculty as they are pulled in many directions while managing a cadre of students – both graduate and undergraduate – who are learning while doing the research. Attracting the brightest students into these labs can have an exponential number of dividends as they can increase efficiency and learning.

These advanced degree students are a cornerstone of world-class research and education. Building endowed fellowships to support these students is a parallel component to continuing our trajectory of excellence.

MSU has established the Spartan Cornerstone Challenge to provide a matching gift for new endowments established to support graduate fellowships. With nearly 1,000 graduate students in our college, the opportunity to support an area of specific interest and need exists, and the benefits will forever be a part of the Spartan legacy.

You can make a difference by creating a new endowed fellowship. The minimum amount to create an endowed fellowship in a CNS program is $100,000. Gifts starting at $20,000 can establish a fellowship in the MSU Graduate School. These significant investments can be structured so you can make payments over several years. It’s a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy.

Please know that with whatever you give, you will make a difference. Your gift will be as rewarding to you as it is to the future generation of Spartans who will benefit from the opportunity you provided them.

Suzette Hittner is the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Natural Science and can be reached at (517) 353-9855 or hittner@msu.edu.

Honor Roll of Donors The following people and organizations have provided the financial foundation for the College of Natural Science to provide scholarships to promising students, assist faculty with research and academic pursuits and enhance the natural science community.

Recognition represents contributions made between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. While we have carefully reviewed the names listed, we apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to contact us at (517) 353-9855.

Clifton R. Wharton Society Recognizing individuals who makes a commitment of at least $2,500,000 to MSU or a qualifying deferred gift of at least $3,750,000.

Randolph Cowen Kedzie Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $1,000,000 and $2,499,999 or a documented planned gift of at least $1,500,000.

Anonymous J. K. Billman, Jr., M.D. David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Kirkwood E. Faber Larry D. Fowler Gregory F. Hauser Rebecca Hotchkiss and the Late Harley Hotchkiss William N. Hurja Glenda and Peter Lappan Henry and Lois Blosser Drs. G. Thomas and Robin L. Morgan Timothy R. and Patricia E. Oren Elizabeth Difanis Phillips Ron and Sharon Rogowski Ritta Rosenberg Richard and Patricia Wagner Shaw Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $500,000 and $999,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $1,000,000.

Warren and Anneliese Wood Marilyn M. Culpepper Mark and Sandy Ehlert Keith and Sue Knapp Dr. George H. Lauff Ronald H. and Mary E. Simon Drs. Richard J. and Renate M. Snider Jim Valrance Alfred J. Zeits Abbot Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $250,000 and $499,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $500,000.

Richard and Joyce Benefiel Drs. Roger and Esther Brown Marc Conlin Pam and Bill Costabile Larry R. Dalton and Nicole Boand Richard and Claire Gantos Dr. Ronald E. Goldsberry Thomas and Mary Krigas Dr. Evan F. Meltzer Leo V. Nothstine Jack and Karen Sue Preiss

Snyder Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $100,000 and $249,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $200,000.

Ralph and Dorothy Bertolacini Cec Borgeson Dr. D. Otto Cheng Carol A. DesJardins Dr. Kathryn M. Doig Mr. Richard J. Benson Daniel and Debra Edson Alena Fabian, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Barbara J. Frey and Nicholas R. Thines Olga K. Fritz Cheryl Sisk and Doug Gage Dr. and Mrs. John P. Giesy Dennis and Joan Gilliland David and Karen Gloss Velda D. Godfrey Dr. Richard Hahin Elizabeth Hantel Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Dale E. Hissong Herb and Margaret Hoover Roger and Gail Kolasinski Frederick G. and Virginia A. Krauss Dr. Peter L. Lee Gloria and F. R. (Pete) Lehman Dr. Christy MacKinnon Thomas and Catherine Mall Dr. and Mrs. Sigurd O. Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Eugene N. Parker Emory James and Mary Kathryn Patmos Richard C. and Shirley G. Pendell Dr. James E. Rodman Dr. and Mrs. Ramon F. Rolf Margaret A. Switous David and Sara Taft Paul A. Taylor Brad and Jane Thompson Stephen E. Tilmann and Adrian Bass Linda Petro Ulrey and Laurence Ulrey Dr. Daniel Williams Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Yerrick Hannah Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $50,000 and $99,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $100,000.

Lois Alexander Art and Mary Apkarian Jean B. Bach Maurine Bernstein Walter Blinn Patricia M. Boyd David G. Browning Harry and Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet Kathy and Richard Burgis Claire Byerrum Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Mrs. Nadine Churchill Gus and Helen Coukoulis Tom and Sally Crawford Sharon DeBar Scott Essex and Brooke Corley Dr. Marie L. Farr Dan and Pam Farra Ethan C. (“Chuck�) Galloway Dr. Robert W. Gee Hershel Goren Geraldine and Harold Hart Dr. Shirley Hartlage

Benjamin K. Hassenger Ruth A. and Donald B. Keck R. James and Carol A. Kirkpatrick Dr. and Mrs. Mark Koenig Joanne and Peter McPherson Mable E. Meites Linda M. Murphey Charlotte F. Nametz Juliette L. Primeau Robert J. Rietz Jean J. Robinson Michael Schulz J. Mark and Kathleen B. Scriber Barb Sears and Ben Hassenger Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Mr. Gordon Smale William L. and Andrea K. Smith Douglas Spragg Clarence and Loretta Suelter Katherine R. Fishburn and Thomas A. Vogel Steve and Sunday Wagner Yang Wang, Ph.D. and Dr. Weixin Xu Beaumont Tower Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $25,000 and $49,999 to MSU. Anthony and Racelle Armada Sam M. and Mary E. Austin Thomas E. Ayres John and Teofila Beaman George and Anne Bird Jim and Julie Bradford Max Breuer Drs. William M. and Mary K. Conner Douglas and Marjorie Deline Larry and Lois Dimmitt Jerry and Carole Dodgson Leonard E. Eames Susan Eleuterio and Tom Sourlis Michele M. Fluck, Ph.D. Bruce and Susan Frieman Marianne Galloway Dr. and Mrs. John A. Gerlach Donna Gibson Mrs. Leona C. Good Greg and Jan Hamilton William L. Harkness Richard and Susan Hill Dr. J.F. Holland Dr. Jon Kaguni Dr. Laurie Kaguni Norman and Hanna Kelker Brin and Lisa Keller Gabriele F. Kende Nellie R. Knepper Debra Kosky Lorenz and Lynda Kull Thomas and Lucy Larsen Ellen and George Leroi Joseph and Marjorie Longo Dr. Sam and Susie Mallory Dennis and Estelle McGroarty Rich and Pam Merritt Roger Bruce Miles, Jr. and Kim Scherschligt Shelagh Ferguson-Miller and Robert Miller Lawrence Gregg Mullica Mr. Thomas M. Osgood Max and Jessie Oswald Delmer Parker Charlie and Brooke Partlan Peter and Kate Rathmann MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011

15

Honor Roll of Donors Dr. C. A. Reddy and Sasikala Reddy Lois G. Ridley Richard and Elaine Rudy Thomas D. and Paulette B. Sharkey John L. Snyder Frederick W. and Mary Ann Stehr Mr. David B. Steiger and Dr. Elizabeth J. Galbreath Jim and Jan Stewart Arnold D. and Helen E. Suomi Thomas R. Taylor and Margo J. Sackheim Mrs. Deborah J. Cicinelli-Timm and Dr. Kent E. Timm Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Tulinsky Patrick J. Tyrrell and Mary E. Riendl-Tyrrell Mrs. Martha Vincent John L. Wang and Lucille D. Fallon Vivian L. Wong Mrs. Dorothy J. Young Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik Presidents Club Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $10,000 and $24,999 to MSU. Christiane and William R. Anderson Ms. Doris H. Asher Mr. Sheldon Axler Terrance and Sandra Bacon George Ball Jack and Joanne Bass Charles and Susan Bauer Dr. and Mrs. Bauer Mrs. Karen L. Baumhart and Mr. Donald D. Baumhart Scott and Patricia Belden Dr. Jerold and Mrs. Candice Bell Dr. Glenn Belyea Christoph Benning, Ph.D. and Susanne HoffmanBenning, Ph.D. Roger and Louise Bergman Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Bernthal Dr. Helmut Bertrand Douglas and Susan Bierer Dr. and Mrs. Morley Biesman James and Linda Bittell Dr. David E. Blair and Rebecca Adams Blair Mr. and Mrs. James F. Boettcher Dave Borgatti David M. Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Judson T. Bradford Wayne and Lorene Bronner Thomas G. Cardelli and Marcia Brooks Cardelli, M.D. Kathryn H. Brooks Kirby and Sarah Browns Pamela Pajas and David Burke Zachary F. Burton, Ph.D. and Ann Finkelstein, Ph.D. Gary R. Byerly, Ph.D. and Maud M. Walsh, Ph.D. Chester and Julie Callahan Dr. Edward and Mrs. Louise Carlson Greg Caucutt Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Angela Ceraso Mrs. Dallas Chapin Jim and Debbie Chase Mildred K. Chatfield Arthur and Barbara Chester Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Cheyne Fu-Ho Chow David and Jan Clay Ward T. Collins Dr. David DeWitt and Dr. Susan Conrad Susan Copland Professor James P. Covell Robert and Carol Cukier Laura A. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Gil and Jeane de las Alas MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011 16

John and Phyllis Delaney Philip C. Deming Dave and Shari Devendorf Gerald and Marilyn Dommel Dr. Lewis L. Dotterer and Mrs. Debra A. Dotterer Jim and Angie Dye James and Ruth Linnemann Dr. and Mrs. Harry Eick Doug and Sue Estry Dr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Fauth Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Mr. Richard Mundy Justus J. Fiechtner, M.D. and Karlene J. Gehler Brian and Jeannie Mallick Dr. Arthur E. and Lois C. Fitz George L. Fleming Mr. Edward M. Tank and Dr. Andrea L. Foiles Dr. Bonnie Fons Wilson Sharon R. Fox Professor Pam Fraker Barbara B. Free Mr. and Mrs. James Fuchs Fleta S. Gacki Martin A. Galasso, Sr. Joseph and Josephine Gardiner Dr. Brage Golding Edward and Ellen Grafius Samuel and Julia Gray Ernie S. Grush Jeffrey and Joyce Hack Bonnie M. Hale Mr. Stephen W. Hale Don and Peggy Hall Dr. Lee and Lois Halsted William and Christine Hartmann Steven and Merle Heidemann Marshall and Barbara Hestenes Ron Hill and Pam Gemery-Hill Suzette and Konrad Hittner Robert and Judith Hollingworth Dr. Robert and Mrs. Remedios Holmes Dr. Gregory A. Holzhei Donald W. Homan Richard J. Hudson Steven and Ann Hunt Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. W. Hunter David and Teresa Hyndman Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Ignatoski Dr. Andrew and Mrs. Joan Jarosz Mr. Matthew T. Jeska Troy and Elizabeth Johnson Michael Kaiser, M.D. Stephen Kamin and Diane Gutekunst Gerasimos and Marianna Karabatsos Edwin and Marilyn Kashy Ken and Sue Keegstra Natalie M. Kerby and James T. Kerby, M.D. Kenneth B. Kerr Evan Kidson Paul and Barbara Killgoar Jeffrey and Katherine Klinger Ruth E. Klomparens Max W. Krell Lee and Mary Kroos Mr. Paul Kuipers Paul LaBell Mr. and Mrs. Laing Douglas and Mary Lake Lori J. Lampel Dr. Douglas A. Landis and Mrs. Joy N. Landis D. Jack and Vonda A. Eckard Lemon James and Michelene Lepczyk Dr. Tien-Yien Li

Mrs. Harriet T. Lin Joyce Parker and Edwin Loh Dr. and Mrs. Brent Lok Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Looby Bruce and Mary Jo Maguire Vincent and Debbra Malcangi Robert and Lori-Ann Maron Dr. and Mrs. B. William Maxey Mr. and Mrs. William Maybaum Steven P. and Diane J. Mazurek John and Gayle McCracken Mr. Mark C. McCroskey Frances Meyer William Mihelich Bruce Mills Keki and Phyllis Mistry Thomas and Delores Montgomery John and Linda Mueller William and Charlene Muth Dr. Karim and Mary T. Nafisi-Moragher Mr. and Mrs. Kunimitsu Nakahira Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Nametz Fedor and Natalie Nazarov Mr. and Mrs. David J. Neebes Morgens Nielsen Dr. Robert T. O’Dell John and Carol Ohlrogge Dong Ok Larry and Beverly Olsen Rae Ramsdell and George Orban Olga A. Orbison Raymond S. Pacovsky Edgar and Jane Palmer Dr. and Mrs. Morton Panish A. Dean and Vicki Jo Parling Sandy Partlan Sam and Vivian Paton Wesley and Debra Phillips Robert and Helen Picone Glen and Judith Pieczynski Thomas J. and Marilyn E. Pinnavaia Mark and Lisa Pinto Chester and Suzanne Piotrowski Bernard and Wendy Pope Stephen and Marguerite Poreda Thomas and Carrie Porter Bill and Sally Pratt Robert and Anne Pressley Dr. Charles H. Proctor James A. Rabe David E. Randolph, M.D. Mrs. Alvin C. Reinhardt Drs. William and Rosetta Reusch Dave and Janet Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Donald L. Robach Alma J. Rombouts Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein Craig E. Ryan Hillard and Angela Salas Habib and Joan Salehi Jack and Daisy Samarias Mark J. Schervish Ruth E. Schmitter Mr. Ronald Schultz John G. Shabushnig and Victoria L. McGuffin Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Shelden Peter and Elizabeth Signell Susan M. Simkin Alfred J. Smetana, Ph.D. Jeffrey Smith Margaret E. Smith Dr. and Mrs. Patrick B. Smith

Honor Roll of Donors Gary and Janelle Smolinski Dr. Loren R. Snyder and Wendy C. Champness, Ph.D. Chris and Shauna Somerville Bill and Nancy Sonsin John Clarence Speck, Jr. William A. and Gloria J. Spencer Julie St. Onge Ronald J. St. Onge Sheila and Michael Steger Bill and Sue Stelzer Charles and Martha Stocker Dr. William T. Suggs and Mrs. Jean M. Gawlak-Suggs Mrs. Catherine C. Sweeney Dr. Arthur Tai Dr. Joan Keiser Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Taller Richard E. Teets and Mary S. Pickett Margaret L. Thorp, D.V.M. Eleanor D. Tolbert Joyce E. Trier Steven and Laura Triezenberg John and Polly Tulloch Beatrice S. Tung Mr. and Mrs. James G. Vanderwall Bruce and Nancy VerWest John W. Vinson and Karen L. Strickler Megan Donahue and Mark Voit Claude and Anne Watson Donald and Joyce Watson Patrick and Mukta Webber Dr. William W. Wells and Helen W. Wells Drs. Gary and Catherine Westfall Rick and Pat Whitfield Joyce Wildenthal John and Sandy Wilson Thomas and Theresa Wilson Timothy and Therese Witherspoon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Witherspoon David and Jill Young Francis and Patricia Zak Clare and Phillip Zecher Rietje Zeevaart Dr. Marilyn J. Zweng 1855 Club Barbara A. and Robert B. Baker Stuart H. and Patricia S. Gage Richard E. and Linda R. Triemer

Annual Gifts to the College of Natural Science $10,000 and more Drs. Roger and Esther Brown Wayne D. Cheyne James P. Conlon Drs. William M. and Mary K. Conner Gus and Helen Coukoulis Edmund P. DePalma Mark and Sandy Ehlert Dr. Marie L. Farr Sylvia Harrup Richard and Susan Hill Herb and Margaret Hoover Professor Rudolph Hugh, Ph.D. Norman and Hanna Kelker Brin and Lisa Keller R. James and Carol A. Kirkpatrick Frederick G. and Virginia A. Krauss Dr. George H. Lauff Dr. James E. Rodman Ron and Sharon Rogowski Thomas D. and Paulette B. Sharkey

Ronald H. and Mary E. Simon Yang Wang, Ph.D. and Dr. Weixin Xu Patricia A. Werner Warren and Anneliese Wood Larry and Jeanne Workman Rietje Zeevaart $5,000 - $9,999 Maurine Bernstein Ralph and Dorothy Bertolacini Todd A. Ciche and Yoon Kyung Hur Ciche Pam and Bill Costabile Tom and Sally Crawford David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Michele M. Fluck, Ph.D. Michael D. Gottfried and Pamela C. Rasmussen Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Donald W. Homan Nellie R. Knepper Patricia K. Lamm and Sheldon E. Newhouse Dr. Tien-Yien Li James R. McElroy Dr. C. A. Reddy and Sasikala Reddy Lois G. Ridley Joseph C. and Karen S. Seelig Douglas Spragg Thomas R. Taylor and Margo J. Sackheim Steve and Sunday Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Yerrick $1,000 - $4,999 A. Gordon Adams, Jr. Mary E. and Peter Alexander Christiane and William R. Anderson Clara Louise Augustine Thomas E. Ayres Barbara A. and Robert B. Baker Olive M. Batcher Mrs. Karen L. Baumhart and Mr. Donald D. Baumhart David Beaubien Robert G. Begbie, Jr. Scott and Patricia Belden Dr. Jerold and Mrs. Candice Bell Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Bernthal Marc D. Better George and Anne Bird Gary R. Byerly, Ph.D. and Maud M. Walsh, Ph.D. Claire Byerrum Yueying Cao and Yuxun Wang Arthur and Barbara Chester Mrs. Deborah J. Cicinelli-Tim and Dr. Kent E. Timm Marc Conlin Dr. David DeWitt and Dr. Susan Conrad Dave and Shari Devendorf Gerald and Marilyn Dommel Doug and Sue Estry Christopher D. Fisher John W. and Loralee Fisher George L. Fleming Andrew S. Flies Professor Pam Fraker Barbara B. Free Charles R. and Veronica R. Fuller Marion and Aaron I. Galonsky Richard and Claire Gantos Dr. and Mrs. John A. Gerlach Dennis and Joan Gilliland Samuel and Julia Gray Ronald S. Gross Betty G. Hardenburg Ron Hill and Pam Gemery-Hill Dr. Robert and Mrs. Remedios Holmes

Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. W. Hunter David and Teresa Hyndman Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Ignatoski Theodore M. Jackanicz and Suesanna K. Voorhees Stanley N. Jones Kenneth B. Kerr Keith and Sue Knapp William J. and Gerri Lynne Koss Thomas and Mary Krigas Dr. Douglas A. Landis and Mrs. Joy N. Landis Gloria and F. R. (Pete) Lehman D. Jack and Vonda A. Eckard Lemon Joyce Parker and Edwin Loh Dr. and Mrs. Brent Lok Astrid Makowitz Robert Martin Russell G. Mawby Steven P. and Diane J. Mazurek James D. and Shirley W. McLean Gary G. Mittelbach and Katherine L. Gross Lawrence Gregg Mullica Keith G. Nelson and Anne L. Engh Alexandra G. Nordahl John and Carol Ohlrogge Richard E. and Elissa J. Palmer Christopher R. Pierson and Jodi Mrozinski-Pierson Rena H. Quinn L Virginia Rhodes Cynthia M. Rohde Thomas E. Rollins Craig E. Ryan Margaret C. and Richard C. Schoening John M. and Betty L. Schoepke Michael Schulz Esther Seiden Amit Sharma Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Alfred J. Smetana, Ph.D. Jeffrey Smith Mr. David B. Steiger and Dr. Elizabeth J. Galbreath Muriel E. Straight Sarah G. Strauss and Michael A. Delaney Clarence and Loretta Suelter Donald A. and Janet E. Tomalia Richard E. and Linda R. Triemer Lauren M. and Skyler B. Tripp Billie L. Turner Jeanne L. Turner and Roger N. Turner, Jr. Megan Donahue and Mark Voit Charles A. Walton Karen L. and Stephen T. Warren Paul Wenstrom Mark J. Wojna and Anne J. Monahan Wojna Leland W. and Florence A. Younker Francis and Patricia Zak $500 - $999 Jack and Sue Allen Nora M. Allen James W. and Katharine E. Atkinson Marshall D. and Shirley G. Autra Curtis A. Bagne and Catherine A. Gofrank Keith M. and Wilma A. Baldwin Mark A. Batzer and Pamela E. Richard Charles and Susan Bauer Maria L. and Douglas L. Bayer James H. Beach and Honora C. Murphy Teresa S. and Roger N. Beachy John and Teofila Beaman Dr. David E. Blair and Rebecca Adams Blair Richard A. Blevins Max Breuer MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011

17

Honor Roll of Donors James L. Brewbaker Derrick R. Carter Joseph A. and Helen F. Caruso Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Angela Ceraso Kenneth V. Chace Alene D. Chernick David and Jan Clay Kenneth E. Cooper Elizabeth K. Dapson Anne R. Davenport James A. Demopolos Linda L. Deneen and Gary M. Shute Marvin L. and Mary E. Dettloff Wayne J. DeWitte Dr. Kathryn M. Doig Mr. Richard J. Benson Ke Dong and Sheng-Yang He Dr. Lewis L. Dotterer and Mrs. Debra A. Dotterer Donna M. Duberg Leonard E. Eames Dr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Fauth Gary A. Feuerbacher Daniel W. Fraga William W. Freimuth and Deborah L. Malkovich Donald C. and Patricia A. Gause Sue A. Gooch Edward and Ellen Grafius Thomas Griffith, Jr. and Gail D. Griffith Stephen K. Hamilton and Suzanne J. Sippel Michael E. Hanson Barbara R. Hayes John H. Hefner Carol A. Hermann David P. and Kathleen J. Herzog Joseph and Pamela Hildebrand Janice G. Hite Reynard Hollins Joseph T. Hupp Kenneth F. Johnson Robin J. and James P. Kastenmayer Susan M. Kauzlarich and Peter Klavins Charles E. Kinney, Jr. Russell E. Kohnken and Christine A. Collins Max W. Krell Ellen and George Leroi Sherry S. and Kyle T. Lewallen Carole and Don Lick Joseph S. Lonstein John A. and Nancy Lucas Vincent and Debbra Malcangi Bill Marklewitz John and Gayle McCracken Norman W. Melvin Rich and Pam Merritt William W. and Susan L. Merten James D. and Mary K. Mitchell John and Linda Mueller William and Charlene Muth Anthony F. Naples Donald B. and Barbara H. Neuman Anne E. Norris and Gregory M. Trompeter Larry and Beverly Olsen Preston S. and Barbara J. Parish A. Dean and Vicki Jo Parling Mark and Lisa Pinto Susan T. Polk Robert G. Ponzini Michael A. and Karen C. Porzio Steven P. Poulios Dr. Charles H. Proctor James C. and Frances Ratte Valerie Ross Leonard C. Rowe oll llege of Natural Science | Fall 2011 MSU Co College 18

Virginia A. Rowe Hillard and Angela Salas Douglas W. Schemske Edward A. Schmidt Ruth E. Schmitter Paul J. Schuele Dana A. Shuey Jerry and Lisa R. Singleterry Joanne M. and Donald A. Slanina John R. and Patricia J. Smart James L. Snelgrove Robert D. and Mary Jill Spencer Bill and Sue Stelzer Wendy K. Stephan and Billy W. Stephan, Jr. Jim and Jan Stewart Daniel W. and Martha Sullivan Cynthia J. and Greg M. Swain Alison L. and Ralph E. Taggart Dr. Arthur Tai and Dr. Joan Keiser Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Taller Rita Tongco Mark V. Tran Joyce E. Trier Wendy N. Tsuji Dr. William W. Wells and Helen W. Wells Drs. Gary and Catherine Westfall John F. Wettaw Benson H. Wheeler Thomas and Theresa Wilson William D. Wright Dorne R. Yager and Elise Zylstra $250 - $499 Edward F. Aboufadel Thomas E. Abramson Henry and Gloria B. Adamski Lynne M. and Brian A. Agar Gerald P. Alldredge Christine E. Angeles and Steven R. Cady Mary Lou Angelotti John P. and Margaret A. Ansted William D. and Mary Jo Atchison Joseph C. Baer II and Julie A. Baer Marsha A. and Stuart L. Bassett Peter W. Bates Lawrence F. Beauchamp John H. Beck Margaret and Michael Beresford Kent R. and Anne C. Biddinger Linda K. and Gerald T. Blair Ryan D. Blissett Gary R. Bond and Karen D. Lindig Christine L. Borgman and George M. Mood Gregory M. Boyd Carl J. Brandon Linda A. Brauner Laura J. and Gregory D. Braxton Donna A. Brewbaker Michael G. and Tina M. Burry Zachary F. Burton, Ph.D. and Ann Finkelstein, Ph.D. Gary E. Butterfield Brian C. Campbell Gerald R. and Janet A. Cappo Susan L. Carpenter Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Joseph A. and Judith M. Caruso Sharon K. and David B. Case Kerry A. and Robert A. Cedergren Katherine L. Chapel Chi-Ju Chen Mu-Tsang and Tseh-Ling Chen Evart W. and Suzanne K. Christensen

Lori L. Cochrane Jeffrey K. Conner and Beth G. Silverman Kathleen A. Cornwell Professor James P. Covell Elaine G. Cowen Radu and Liliana M. Craciun Aureal T. Cross Frederick De Wilde, Sr. and Joan De Wilde David P. and Kathleen R. DeAngelis Cecilia E. DeCook Edward F. and Judith G. Degenhardt Mary Jane P. Dockeray Suzanne M. Dorinski Ronald L. Dow Denise H. Dumouchelle James D. and Helene M. Dutcher Kari E. Dylhoff Constance C. and Dean A. Eicher David L. Enlow Sam C. and Dianne G. Ewing Larry J. and Jane P. Fowler Carl S. Frankel David G. and Diane E. Gaebel George C. Gerritsen Dawne I. and Theron K. Gibson Russell A. Gill and Josephine E. Franz Jenifer M. Gorlach Roger A. and Nancy A. Grey Richard A. Gudewicz Mary L. Guerinot and C. R. McClung Steven C. and Kelly A. Haefner David R. Hale Paul B. Hamel Christopher J. and Catherine D. Hanley Earl M. and Barbara Z. Hansen Mark R. and Constance Hanson Lori A. Hathon James B. Hazen III and Sara J. Hazen Marshall and Barbara Hestenes Richard A. and Cheryl L. Hiipakka Daniel C. Himebaugh Suzette and Konrad Hittner Darlene and LaVerne Hoag Dr. J.F. Holland Dr. Gregory A. Holzhei Kenneth E. Hook Gregory A. and Stephany L. Humenik W. C. and Nancy B. Hunter Eugene H. Hurst, Jr. and Jane M. Hurst Ananda M. Jenkins and Craig A. Jenkins, Jr. Charles F. and Susan E. Julian Isabelle A. Kagan Stanley B. and Mary C. Kantor Daniel and Ann C. Kasprzyk Alonzo P. Keathley, Jr. and Jacqueline J. Keathley Edward N. and Nancy Keegstra Mary Ellen and Richard L. Kelly Michael J. Kieleszewski Cheryl A. Kinnaman Walter D. Kolmodin, Jr. and Linda K. Kolmodin Margie J. Kostal Hiralal L. and Shyam P. Koul C. D. Kramer N. K. and Janet G. Krane Eric W. Kuennen and Marianne Johnson Paul U. Labine Philip E. and Jacquelynn A. Lapinski Bryn Larsen Craig M. and Nancy J. Lee Lissa M. Leege and Frank R. D’Arcangelo David R. Levick Gao Liu

Honor Roll of Donors E. K. Longpre and Michelle M. Smith Thomas W. and Carey A. Loveland Ronald R. and Carol B. Luteyn Lisbeth A. and Zael E. Lutz Robert E. and Cynthia J. Maleczka Mary U. Manner Stacy L. and Mark T. Manuszak Robert and Lori-Ann Maron Georgiann M. Martin Dr. and Mrs. B. William Maxey Jeffrey N. McLeod Lauren E. and Mark C. McMills Jean M. and J E. McPherson Sheila M. Method Ron and Gayla Metzger Bettye J. Mihina Roy F. and Irma Milks David G. Miller Sanford L. and Barbara F. Moretsky Dr. Norman R. Myckowiak Dr. Karim and Mary T. Nafisi-Moragher Michael J. Nawrocki and Kathryn A. RobackNawrocki Charles E. Newman, Jr. Liviu I. Nicolaescu Francis E. Nussbaum, Jr. Paul J. and Susan L. O’Connor Sue A. Olson Jon L. and Sharon E. Opsal Christopher J. and Sara J. Oravitz Sheila A. Ording Edgar and Jane Palmer Thomas H. Parker and Judith Fleishman Faith N. Payne Edward E. Peterson and Sally M. Johnson

Michael J. Portuesi Michael R. and Mary G. Powell Alan L. Prather and Bryan S. Lijewski Ronald J. and Helen M. Priest Robert S. Przygocki Ileana Pullos James A. Rabe John R. and Barbara A. Rasmussen James A. and Anne E. Render Sonya L. and Leonard J. Ribnicky Clifton G. Roaf Lisa L. and Richard A. Rosenbaum Robert F. and Grace A. Rudd John J. and Sandra L. Schaller John C. Schneider, Jr. and Diana I. Schneider Alice J. and Grant L. Schoenhard J. Mark and Kathleen B. Scriber Michael C. Serafini Margaret A. Sharp Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Shelden Debra A. Sherman Anatoli V. Skorokhod Nancy A. Smith David M. Solomon Marylu Spencer Alan E. and Moi Stockland Zachary H. and Vasiliki D. Stoumbos Dr. William T. Suggs and Mrs. Jean M. Gawlak-Suggs David and Sara Taft Janis G. and Robert Q. Thompson Thomas J. and Diane S. Timmermans Frederick L. and Dorothy A. Tobiason Barbara J. and James L. Tourangeau James M. and Kathleen E. Tumbrink Andrew M. Turner

Linda E. Landon Society Named in honor of the university’s first female faculty member, the Landon Society recognizes the supporters who have named the college as a beneficiary of their estate or planned giving arrangement.

Ms. Judith M. Aitken Richard L. and Marilyn Augustine James M. and Marjorie R. Barnes Ms. Olive M. Batcher Henry and Lois Blosser Patricia M. Boyd Drs. Roger and Esther Brown Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Ms. Ruthann Ciszewski Marc Conlin Pam and Bill Costabile Gus and Helen Coukoulis Dr. Aureal T. Cross Marilyn M. Culpepper Sharon DeBar Clarence F. and Lucile E. Decker Carol A. DesJardins Mary Jane P. Dockeray, Ph.D. Dr. Kathryn M. Doig and Mr. Richard J. Benson David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Jim and Angie Dye Daniel and Debra Edson Roy V. and Alice Erickson Dr. and Mrs. Kirkwood E. Faber Joseph C. Ferrar, Jr. and Sara J. Ferrar Professor Pam Fraker Barbara J. Frey and Nicholas R. Thines Olga K. Fritz

Cheryl Sisk and Doug Gage Ethan C. (“Chuck”) Galloway Dr. Robert W. Gee Dr. Richard Hahin Elizabeth Hantel Gregory F. Hauser Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Dale E. Hissong Mrs. Arleen D. Hitchcock Dr. Phillenore D. Howard Mrs. Nancy M. Hsu William N. Hurja Mrs. Peggy J. Jacobs Mr. Matthew T. Jeska Mrs. Jeanne B. Kilbourne Keith and Sue Knapp Roger and Gail Kolasinski Dr. George H. Lauff Ms. Elizabeth G. Limmex Mrs. Lois E. Loetz Thomas Mall Dr. Evan F. Meltzer Margaret M. and Gary B. Mitchell Drs. G. Thomas and Robin L. Morgan Dr. and Mrs. Sigurd O. Nelson Sharin E. and Thomas C. Noall Leo V. Nothstine John F. and Donna J. Novitsky Mr. Jay P. O’Brien Timothy R. and Patricia E. Oren

Emory James and Mary Kathryn Patmos Richard C. and Shirley G. Pendell Mr. Raymond C. Perry, Jr. Jack and Karen Sue Preiss David E. Randolph, M.D. Ms. Deborah J. Remer Mrs. Mary A. Richards Robert J. Rietz Ron and Sharon Rogowski Jack M. and Lila J. Ryder Mrs. Eleanor L. Shaw Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Mr. Gordon Smale Margaret E. Smith Drs. Richard J. and Renate M. Snider Fred J. Stutzenberger, Ph.D. Brad and Jane Thompson Stephen E. Tilmann and Adrian Bass Karl S. and Nancy Vorres Richard and Patricia Wagner Patricia A. Werner, Ph.D. Warren and Anneliese Wood Mr. Keith L. Younger Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik Alfred J. Zeits

Santiago A. and Carolina Utsumi Thomas J. and Regina Van Kley Matthew J. Vertin Bruce M. Walker Li-Ching Wang Linkous and Clovis A. Linkous Shirley A. Warner John W. Weiler Anne M. and John M. West Jamie Wiersema Ann L. Wittbrodt Wayne C. Wolsey and Mary L. Morris Wolsey Yimin Xiao Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik Corinne Zachary-Giusti and Bryan J. Giusti Corporation & Foundation Donors ($250+) Acid Maltase Deficiency Assoc., Inc. AIM Asphalt, Inc. Aurora Specialty Chemistries Auto-Owners Insurance Battle Creek Community Foundation Central Mich. Lapidary & Mineral Society Charles River Laboratories Inc. Chevron Corporation Consumers Energy Consumers Energy Foundation Crystallographic Resources Inc Donald and Ann Parfet Family Foundation DOT Scientific Inc Douglas R. Coskey Attorney at Law The Dow Chemical Company Foundation DuPont Company Fraxa Research Foundation Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inc. GTC Herman Miller, Inc. Juvenile Diabetes Research Fdtn Int’l Kalamazoo Community Foundation Kellogg Company Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund Landscape Forms, Inc. Lindsey Construction Company, Inc. Little Yellow Frame Shop M.E. Kerrigan, Inc. McLeod Chiropractic Center The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Department of Michigan Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Michigan Dietetic Association The Miller Foundation Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation Michigan State University Federal Credit Union MSU Foundation Mulder Glass Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation New Brunswick Scientific Outdoor Link, LLC Paul Flagg Aviation and Consulting Research Triangle Institute Richard W. Gilpin, Ph.D. Limited Sharpe Law Firm Shell Oil Company Sigma-Aldrich Corporation SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. Southern Cross Astronomical Society Stryker Instruments The Wetland Foundation Towers Watson Workman Farms World Book, Inc. ZuvaChenm Incorporated

MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2011

19

College of Natural Science 103 Natural Science Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1115

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAST LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 21

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: GEOLOGY IN THE BACKCOUNTRY OF ALASKA No pot of gold here – just two MSU geology students conducting field research on the origin and tectonic history of the Farewell terrane in Alaska. Senior geology majors Cody MacDonald from Traverse City, Mich., and Kraig Koroloeski from Hudsonville, Mich., joined Assistant Professor Brian Hampton as part of an NSF-funded research grant conducting one of the first detailed field studies on sedimentary basin deposits that make up the middle and upper Paleozoic parts of the Farewell terrane. While in the field, they blogged about their experiences in the remote backcountry of Alaska.

You can see more pictures and read about their experience at http://msugeology.tumblr.com/.